After graduating from Northeastern with a major in English and a minor in history, I searched for a job and was always frustrated when asked how many words a minute I could type. Finally, I explored library work, landed a job with the BPL, and enrolled at Simmons. It took five years to complete the degree, as I was a new mother, took a brief leave, and could only afford to take one class at a time. When I graduated in 1975, I was thrilled that the graduation speaker was Margaret Mead, in one of her last public appearances.

While working at Stevens Memorial Library in North Andover, I completed my graduate education courses at Lowell State, became certified, and moved into school library work at the Shawsheen Elementary in Wilmington. Twelve years and another baby later, I went to work at Methuen High School. Four years after that, I became a half-time supervisor of media services and a half-time high school librarian.

The year my older daughter entered college was the year I entered the doctoral program at UMass Lowell, completing my Ed.D. in Leadership in Schooling. I remained in Methuen and retired in June after twenty-one years in Methuen and over thirty-six years in library work. I enjoyed my years in Methuen and was blessed with terrific colleagues and wonderful students.

One of my special interests is the research process and how students move through that process. I am also passionate about collaboration with teachers and the integration of technology and information literacy skills into content-area units. I enjoy attending AASL and MSLA conferences; there is so much to learn.

My husband Charlie and I continue to landscape and decorate, even though we’ve lived in our home for nine years (remember, it’s an ongoing process). I teach an online graduate course for UMass Lowell and enjoy traveling, spinning classes, lifting weights, biking, and other aerobic activities. I also read, walk on the beach, scrapbook, and have fun with my three grandchildren. Every good thing you’ve heard about being a grandparent is true.

I’ve been an area co-director for a number of years and look forward to continuing on the board. I believe that being active in MLA permits me to give something back to my chosen profession.